This last point negates the two above it, though. If Semroc was to refrain from actually marketing the motors to fireworks companies (by the way, I agree with Carl's position), then how would it position them to benefit from that source of business? What would be different than just selling them as model rocket motors through the usual hobby channels?

Amateur pyrotechnicians (an honorable avocation, as Orville Carlisle, the inventor of the model rocket motor, was one) and "Mom & Pop" specialty firework manufacturers often use Estes motors to power their skyrockets and missiles because they are so reliable (which allows them to concentrate on developing the custom stars and other pyrotechnic effects of the skyrockets and missiles). They don't openly approach Estes *as* fireworks manufacturers to buy motors for these applications; they order motors as individuals, and Estes never knows what the motors are ultimately used for.

I could not agree with blackshires above statement more.
I don't think Semroc sells most of it's product through "normal" hobby channels anyway.
I would venture to give an accurate guess that the majority of their sales are direct through their website, with the remainder mostly through small specialty rocket websites.
Unfortunately I have NEVER seen a Semroc product in ANY of the hobby shops throughout Michigan or Florida I frequent.

There's only been two retail hobby stores where I've seen a large selection of Semroc kits: Red Arrow Hobbies (Crazy Dave) in Stevensville, MI and at Al's Hobby Shop in Elmhurst, IL.

Both are fine stores with great people minding them.

Greenfield News & Hobby here in the Milwaukee area also has a nice selection of Semroc kits. Our club meetings are held there.

Thanks! I'll have to check that out next time in Milwaukee on a job!

Oh goody! I just looked it up. It's not too far from Waukesha. I'll definitely stop by the next time I go to the Waukesha Engine ("Thunder Pumpkin") plant.

And Hobby Express here in Pittsburgh also carries a very fine selection of Semroc products (and just about everyone else as well. It's a great LHS).

Thank you. We could help Semroc that way after their motors become available to the public, by letting small fireworks manufacturers and amateur pyrotechnics organizations in other states know about them. If they buy the motors as individuals, they're just customers.There is at least one Semroc retailer in Alaska--"The Red Couch" trading post store next door to my apartment building. :-)

Semroc should try to get their products into the following "olde tyme" hobby shops in Michigan:
The Prop Shop, Warren Mi.
Nankin Hobby, Farmington Mi.
P & D Hobbies